Coconut Cream Pie Bars Recipe 435

Steps:

• Preheat oven to 350 degrees F (175 degrees C).
• Spread the coconut on a baking sheet and bake it, stirring occasionally, until golden brown, about 5 minutes.
• In a medium saucepan, combine the half-and-half, eggs, sugar, flour and salt and mix well. Bring to a boil over low heat, stirring constantly. Cook, stirring constantly, for 2 minutes more. Remove the pan from the heat, and stir in 3/4 cup of the toasted coconut and the vanilla extract. Reserve the remaining coconut to top the pie.
• Pour the filling into the pie shell and chill until firm, about 4 hours.
• Top with whipped topping and with the reserved coconut.

Steps:

• Heat oven to 350 degrees. Butter a 9-inch square pan and line with parchment, leaving some overhanging.
• In a food processor, pulse together flour, sugar and salt. Pulse in butter until crumbs form and the dough starts to come together. Press mixture into the prepared pan in an even layer. Bake until firm on top and lightly golden at the edges, 20 to 25 minutes. Transfer to a rack. You can bake the crust up to 6 hours ahead, or use it while it's still hot.
• While the crust bakes, using the same food processor (no need to wash it out first), pulse together eggs, sugar, butter, coconut milk, vinegar or lemon juice, lemon zest (if using), vanilla and salt until well combined. Pulse in the coconut. Use a spatula to fold in the chocolate chips, if using.
• When the crust is baked, pour in the filling (crust can still be hot). Lower oven temperature to 325 degrees and bake until the filling is set when you jiggle it and the top is browned, 30 to 40 minutes.
• Transfer to a wire rack to cool completely, then chill for at least 2 hours. Cut into bars and serve.